Pumpkin Fest returns to Franklin

The 17th annual “Pumpkin Fest” will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in downtown Franklin. A wide array of events and activities in the spirit of Halloween — including the ever-popular Pumpkin Roll — will be offered throughout the weekend.

Festivities kick off Friday evening with the game “Find the Black Cat” from 5 to 8 p.m. Several merchants in Franklin will each have a black cat hidden in plain view in their business. For each black cat patrons locate, they’ll receive a card. Prizes will be awarded depending on the number of cards collected. An extra prize may be given out if costumes are worn. Special shopping deals will also be available at participating businesses. Winners will be announced at 8:15 p.m. at Books Unlimited. For more information, call 828.369.7942.

“With the holidays coming on, we understand the temptation to splurge on Black-Friday-Mall-Shopping, and the Internet literally places the world at your fingertips,” said Larry Hollifield, the president of Streets of Franklin and owner of American Computer Sales. “But, we local merchants have a great deal to offer and we ask you to give us a chance to help in the season’s celebrations. We won’t disappoint.”

Hayrides will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at the East Franklin Shopping Center. The rides are sponsored by the Highlands Road merchants. Treats will also be given out from 3 to 5 p.m.

Authors Barbara McRae and Cherry Jackson will discuss the history of Franklin from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Books Unlimited. The duo will present the newest edition of Arcadia Publishing’s popular “Images of America” series, Franklin.

Saturday events begin with the “Pumpkin Roll” registration at 9 a.m. The renowned roll will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Whoever rolls their pumpkin down the road the furthest will win $100. The screaming contest will be at 11:30 a.m., while the pie-eating contest takes place at noon. The costume parade starts at 1 p.m. in front of the Town Hall, with a costume contest to immediately follow.

Live music hits the stage with the Sweet Tater Band, 10 a.m.; Frogtown Four, 11 a.m.; and Macon Grass, 3 p.m. Roving street performances, including a fire eater/spinner, also start at 10 a.m.

Treats from local merchants goes from 3 to 4 p.m. A “Kid’s Zone” will run all day and includes inflatable’s, games and other activities.

A “Pumpkin Fest” pancake breakfast cooks up from 7 to 10 a.m. at Tartan Hall. Proceeds support Macon County kids. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children under age 12.

“Pumpkin Fest” is presented by the Town of Franklin, Franklin Main Street Program, the Franklin TDA and Macon County TDC.